Thursday, October 01, 2009

10 Things You Can Do About Domestic Violence

As we begin October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, people have been asking me "What can I do about domestic violence? Is there something I can do to help?" Here is a short list of ideas. Certainly you can add your ideas or additions at the end:

1) Sign the MADE petition to get dating violence curriculum in schools. Go to http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/made

2) Find out more about domestic violence. Go to http://www.clicktoempower.org/ and see the stories of survivors and what made the difference for them.

3) Go to http://www.avon.com/ and buy the Women's Empowerment Necklace or Bracelet.

4) Learn about how domestic violence impacts your workplace by visiting http://www.caepv.org/.

5) Remember the National Domestic Violence Hotline Number: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or http://www.ndvh.org/. You can call to help others or yourself.

6) Donate your old cell phone (any brand) at any Verizon Wireless store or use free mailing label www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel

7) Learn to talk to your kids about healthy relationships by downloading tip booklets from http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/.

8) Try to understand what happens in DV and how it impacts people. Check out http://www.domesticviolenceworkplace.blogspot.com/. And comment!

9) Don't ask "Why would that victim go back?" ask "Why would a person hit or abuse someone they love?"

10) Be safe, healthy and happy in your own relationships. Because you matter. And you deserve it. And you are very, very precious.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kim,
Thanks for commenting on such an important issue. Those are great tips. In honor of DVAM, Jewish Women International is also making an effort to recognize those affected by domestic violence. We are posting 31 personal accounts of domestic violence to our blog, one for each day of October. Please visit and share with any friends, colleagues, or fellow bloggers who might benefit. The blog can be found at: http://jwiblog.org

Kim Wells said...

Oh I love that idea - to honor survivors by one account every day for 31 days - how beautiful. I can't wait to visit and read the stories. Thank you for sharing! Kim

DV awareness said...

The more tips and advice to help women break free of the cycle of abuse the better. Top article!

Kim Wells said...

Thanks for your comments - it takes all of us and our ideas to spread the word and raise awareness! Thanks for all you do! Kim

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim,

Today I posted an article on my blog regarding DV Awareness month and added a link to your website. I own a counseling/consulting organization where I specialize in Workplace Anger & Conflict. It is vital that businesses understand the importance of this issue!
Thanks for all you do!
Neca C. Smith

Cindy O said...

What I like about these tips is that they are all so simple!

They are so easy to do, there are absolutely no good excuses not to do them!

Good job, and thanks for sharing, Kim!

Kim Wells said...

Cindy - thanks so much for your comments! That is exactly my hope with the "10 things" - something that someone can do without being overwhelmed. . and know they can make a difference! :-) Appreciate you so much! Kim

Kim Wells said...

Neca - thank you for your blogpost on the issue. . .and thank you for pointing people to CAEPV for help on their workplace policies. So appreciated! Kim

Anonymous said...

Kim,

Wonderful well-rounded piece of information with great links to additional resources. You all do great work & I have always loved the collaborative spirit & inter-connectedness. Thanks for all you do!
My survivor & speaker website has been updated, check it out when you have a second:
www.journeypastpain.com

Take care,

Lorel Stevens
The Journey Past Pain

Kim Wells said...

Thank you for your lovely comments Lorel - they mean alot coming from you! And congratulations on the updated site! Kim

Tanya T. Warrington said...

I like how practical your list is! This is a list that anyone can do.

Thanks for all of your work to help make a difference with the domestic violence issue.

I am a former victim of domestic violence and have a blog to encourage other former victims in their healing journey.

depression treatment said...

I wish everyone was strong enough to get up and get out. No one is better than you and worth beating you down!

MyDiscover, Inc. said...

The true nature of addiction, domestic abuse, and workplace violence is in their motivation. To read more: http://dare2discover.blogspot.com/

Kim Wells said...

Peter you certainly add an interesting perspective to the discussion. Thank you for your interest. Kim

Anonymous said...

Kim - Thanks for sharing your tips.

As a legal assistant for a law firm that works with people involved in domestic violence, everyday I see the awful results that occur to a family split apart by violence. The attorneys work to find solutions through counseling, anger management and restraining orders because when the breadwinner is in jail, the family loses. Many times a call to the police is the first step towards working out a better life for families.

-Scott
domestic violence attorneys